This is a complete listing of compositions by Mark Sirett.  For specific voicing please click on the appropriate tab.

New releases for 2012 and 2013 include:

• Ecce Concipies, Advent/Christmas motet, SATB a cappella, Boosey & Hawkes, M051-47974
• The Leaving of Liverpool, Celtic folksong, SSA and piano, Boosey & Hawkes, M051-48177-4

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• Red is the Rose, Irish folk song, SATB and piano, Boosey & Hawkes M051-47979-5
• Things that Never Die, Text by Charles Dickens, SATB and piano,  Boosey & Hawkes M051-48093-7

 

UNISON & TWO-PART

Secular 

All Winter Long
SS, piano and flute, Boosey & Hawkes M-051-473441
A gentle, lilting 6/8 metre builds to an exuberant celebration of spring and concluding ‘dance of the sun.’ The evocative poetry is Inuit in origin and a wonderful tribute to First Nation culture. Excellent concert or festival selection for young voices.

Irish Lullaby
SS and piano, Boosey & Hawkes M-051-47134-8
A charming traditional lullaby sung in Irish.  The pronunciation guide makes the language very easy. The simple piano score supports a unison first verse, and the second with a flowing descant. Delightful folk song especially suitable for very young voices.  

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J’entends le moulin
SS, piano and violin (optional spoons),  Boosey & Hawkes  M-051-478798
A lively arrangement is a favourite Quebecois folk-tune full of ‘joie de vivre.’  The turning of the windmill is heard in the exciting piano and violin accompaniment.  Easy.  Watch Hamilton Children’s Choir
J’entends

Ma come bali bene bela bimba (La Villanella)
SSA and piano.  Boosey & Hawkes 979-0-051-47880-4
This familiar Italian tune comes from the Veneto; the language is repetitive and easy to learn.  The colourful piano writing captures the twirling of the young dancer.  A exciting number for younger voices and teens encourages ‘bel canto’ singing.  Watch - Lenoir-Rhyne Youth Choir

Though We Be But Children
Two-part and piano, Hinshaw Music HMC 2131
This contemporary lyrical ballad celebrates youth and the great promise children hold for the future. The text was written by Kathleen Smith, a member of the Peterborough Children’s Chorus which commissioned this work.

Coming soon

• Where Go the Boats, SS and piano, Boosey and Hawkes
• My Heart Soars, SS and piano, Boosey and Hawkes

Sunny Bank
SS and piano, Hinshaw Music HMC1939
This is a joyful, contemporary setting of the traditional English carol text. The work won First Prize in the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto Carol Competition. Imaginative piano writing, spirited rhythms, plus whistling make this a engaging work for young voices. An excellent work for concert, festival or worship for young singers.

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The Lamb
SS, piano, flute, and oboe, Gordon V. Thompson (Alfred) VG-365
A haunting setting of William Blake’s wonderful poetry. The work won the first Ruth Watson Henderson Composition Award from Choirs Ontario. Expressive and lyrical writing brings out the best in young voices. An excellent concert and festival selection.  Watch - Tar River Children’s Choir  

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When Christ Was Born of Mary Free
SS and piano, Hinshaw Music HMC1978
Particularly effective for young voices, a lilting melody gathers momentum and bursts into a joyous “Gloria in excelsis”.  A First Prize winner in the Amadeus Choir Carol Competition, this is an excellent concert and festival selection and Carol concert. 

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Canadian Boatsong
SSA and piano, Gordon V. Thompson (Alfred) VG-369
Irish poet Thomas Moore wrote the text for Canadian Boatsong as he traveled along the St. Lawrence River in 1842. The tune is a lilting French folksong. The descriptive piano writing portrays tolling bells, the rapids, and the peacefulness of the evening along the St. Lawrence. Especially good for teens, and women’s voices. Moderately easy.

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Cliffs of Dooneen, The
SSA and piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1165
The Cliffs of Dooneen is a popular and haunting Irish folk song that extols the rugged beauty of the Atlantic coast. The final verse expresses longing for the homeland–a sentiment shared by many Irish immigrants during the nineteenth century when they were forced to leave for North America because of the Great Famine. This arrangement was written for Sister Rita Clare and the Cape Breton Chorale for the Celtic Colours Festival in 2008.  The SSA version is dedicated to Ann McIntyre, Conductor of the Edmonton Children’s Choir. For the SATB version: Watch 

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Cloths of Heaven
SSA and piano, Kelman Hall  06/2062 (Music Plus)
A expressive setting of Yeat’s magnificent poem “Had I the heaven’s embroidered cloths”.  This work, also available in SSA and TTBB, was commissioned by Music Plus and the Lyrical Lines Education Network for the 2007 Waterloo Region High School Choral Festival to be held in Centre in the Square, Kitchener-Waterloo.  Medium difficulty. Listen to the SATB version in performance by the Cantabile Choirs with guest conductor Bob Chilcott:

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Go, Lassie, Go
SSA and piano, optional flute, oboe, bass, Boosey & Hawkes M-051-475308 Instrumental parts: M-051-105106
This Celtic folk song is well known in Scotland and Ireland. This is animated rendition that sets the audiences toes ‘a-tappin’ and would make a perfect opening or conclusion to a concert. Can be combined with the SATB version of the work. Moderately easy.  

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Lake Huron Autumn 
SSA and percussion (Orff), Boosey & Hawkes M051-48019774
An evocative soundscape on poetry by William Wilfred Campbell is appropriate for children, teens and adults alike. The inventive work captures the sounds of the autumn along the shores of the Great Lakes: rustling bulrushes, leaves, flying geese and ducks, the cold wind.  Medium.  

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New release Leaving of Liverpool, The
SSA and piano, Boosey & Hawkes, CME In High Voice, M051-48177-4
The slow and majestic style of this setting of this wonderful Celtic folk song underscores the anguish and uncertainty of the lovers who must say goodbye to each other. The final outburst is full of heartbreak and will be a passionate and emotional moment for your choir. Duration:  3:50

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Les étoiles
SSA, and piano, Alliance Music AMP 0687
Full of French lyricism and romantic harmonies, Les étoiles was commissioned by the Oriana Women’s Choir of Toronto under the direction of William Brown. Recorded by the Oriana Women’s Chorus on the CD “Child with the Starry Crayon”.  Medium.  Watch - GHS Concert Choir, Jennifer Jarrett, conductor  

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Reel à bouche
SSA, piano and clarinet (or accordion), optional double bass, Alliance Music AMP 0714
In French Acadian tradition, a Reel à bouche is a form of ’mouth music’ with nonsense syllables and extra vocal effects.  This rhythmic dance has a French cabaret feeling that is full of fun for performers and audience alike.  It was commissioned by the Amabile Youth Singers of London ON.  Watch - Henry Leck conduct the Coastal Sound Festival Chorus  

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New release Shanti (Peace)
SSA, drone, finger cymbals, gong, Boosey and Hawkes M-051-47984-9
This soundscape is inspired by the mysticism of ancient Eastern religions, with a text and chant derived from the Buddhist mantra: “Peace. May all beings be well and happy.” The work evokes serenity, warmth and love.  The drone was original performed by a singing bowl but a cello, keyboard or low organ pedal could easily be used.  Watch - Lewis and Clark Women’s Choir  

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Song of the Angels (Gloria) 
SSAA, handbells, percussion, Boosey & Hawkes, CME In High Voice, M-051-47492-9
Although the Gloria is often associated with Christmas the message of peace is universal and appropriate for many different settings.   This is a colourful soundscape uses accessible experimental effects often supported by the tuned and untuned percussion instruments. Gregorian chant inspires the opening and concluding melodies. The work received acclaim at recent international festivals. Commissioned by La Jeunesse Northumberland Girls’ Choir. Watch - Mount Eden High School Women’s Chorus  

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Spinning Wheel, The
SSA and piano, ECS Publishing ECS 6416
“Merrily, cheerily, noiselessly whirring”–this delightful Irish folksong tells the story of a young maiden spinning under the supervision of her grandmother. The sounds heard at the window are that of the young girl’s lover come to steal a kiss without her grandmother knowing. An inventive piano part highlights the humour of the story. Medium easy.  

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Un canadian errant
SSA and piano, Kelman Hall 04/20MMP 29  (Music Plus)
One of Canada’s best loved folk songs, an emotional and heartrending story of a young rebel who is banished from his homeland.  This poignant and dramatic setting that has often been used for Canada Day Unisong Festival at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Easy.  Orchestration available from the composer.  Watch - Havergal College, Toronto  

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Watane (also appears in some catalogues as ‘Wantane’)
SSA, percussion, Boosey & Hawkes M051-473434
Watane is an original work inspired by aboriginal culture. Non-traditional vocal sounds, fragments of Iroquois chants, bird calls, and varied percussion evoke the atmosphere of the Eastern Woodlands. The work has been performed at ACDA national and regional conventions and most recently at the in World Symposium of Choral Music in Patagonia.  This SSAA score is easily adapted for various voice combinations.  Watch - Calliope Women’s Chorus, France  Watch - Toronto Children’s Chorus, Elise Bradley, Director, 9th World Symposium of Choral Music, Patagonia 

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 Secular coming soon:

• Little Sparrow, by Raylene Rankin and Susan Crowe, SSA, violin and piano, Boosey and Hawkes

SSA & SSAA Christmas and sacred

A Child is Born
SSA, percussion, Boosey & Hawkes M-051-47671-8
This rewarding work is evocative of the medieval era in keeping with the mystical text by Hildegard of Bingen. The accompaniment includes hand drum, finger cymbals or triangle, and tambourine. The work was commissioned by La Jeunesse, Cobourg in honour of retiring director, Deirdre Morrell. Medium  Watch - Amabile Youth Singers, London ON

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Blake’s Cradle Song
SSA, piano, flute, oboe, Gordon V. Thompson (Alfred) VG-367
Lush harmonies and elegant flowing lines bring this traditional Christmas text by William Blake to life. The setting was written in honour of Jean Ashworth Bartle and Ruth Watson Henderson and the Toronto Children’s Chorus.

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D’où viens-tu, bergère?
SSA and piano, Boosey & Hawkes M051-47818-7
A charming setting of one of Canada’s favourite carols suitable for children’s and women’s voices.  The carol is in the form of a dialogue between a young shepherdess who has returned from the manager and local villagers.  A great selection for a carol concert or service.

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Every Child Has Known God
SSA and piano, Alliance Music  AMP0815-021
Every Child Has Known God is a setting of a fascinating, spiritual text by Hafiz and can be considered either sacred or secular.  The work was commissioned by Les Chanteuses of Edmonton, under the direction of Heather Bedford.  The beginning lyrical writing moves to a spirited conclusion ‘Come dance with me’.  Watch  – Les Chanteuses of Edmonton

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little tree (poem by e. e. cummings)
SSA, piano, Hinshaw Music, HMC 2039
Commissioned by the Kanata Children’s Chorus, Barbara Page-Puppa, director, this is an rewarding Christmas work for children or women based on one of e. e. cummings’ lesser known but beautiful texts. The work concludes with a joyous peal of “Noel, noel.”

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Song of the Angels (Gloria)
SSAA, handbells, percussion, Boosey & Hawkes M-051-47492-9
Although the Gloria is often associated with Christmas the message of peace is universal and appropriate for many different settings.   This is a colourful soundscape uses accessible experimental effects often supported by the tuned and untuned percussion instruments. Gregorian chant inspires the opening and concluding melodies. The work received acclaim at recent international festivals. Commissioned by La Jeunesse Northumberland Girls’ Choir Watch - Mount Eden High School Women’s Chorus  

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New release Taladh Chriosda
SSA, piano and violin, Boosey and Hawkes M051-47874-3
This beautiful Gaelic carol comes from the Scottish Isles. The tune, which is in the Mixolydian mode, has a medieval quality. The gently swaying rhythm captures the essence of Mary gently rocking the Baby in her arms. This song could also be used as a processional. Listen to the Cantabile Choirs in this extended version of this arrangement: 

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Thou Shalt Know Him When He Comes
SSAA, Augsburg/Fortress Press 0800675304
This Advent and Christmas motet was originally SATB and has become of one Augsburg’s best-selling octavos. An expressive, soaring melody is complimented by rich sonorities. This work has often been recorded by many Canadian choirs and heard on CBC. Moderate

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Tyrley, tyrlow
SSA, piano and C instrument, Hinshaw HMC 1754
This work was written for the Toronto Children’s Chorus, Jean Ashworth Bartle, director and premiered at Roy Thomson Hall. The text is a traditional Irish poem from the Renaissance; the writing is lyrical, modal, and harmonically inventive. The setting crescendos to an impassioned climax, and fades poignantly wistfully in the final strains of the recorder. Moderate

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Christmas and sacred coming soon

The Stars Point the Way, Awarded Outstanding Choral Composition 2010, Association of Canadian Choral Communities, SSA and piano, Boosey and Hawkes

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Missa brevis for a Young Girl, SSA a cappella, Boosey and Hawkes

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TENOR BASS

Carrickfergus
TBarB and piano, Boosey & Hawkes M051-47745-6
This gorgeous Irish love song expresses the yearning of a young man for his love many miles away. A wonderfully expressive piano accompaniment supports this romantic ballad that will melt your heart. This has become very popular among many male choruses in North America. Easy.  Watch Amabile perform this piece

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New release Christmas in Carrick
TBarB, fiddle or piccolo, bodhran A high energy Celtic number recorded by the Barra-MacNeils. Suitable for high school and older ensembles. This is available directly from the composer;  please send an email to request a perusal copy.

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Cloths of Heaven
TTBB and piano, Kelman Hall 06/2060 (Music Plus)
A beautifully moving setting of Yeat’s magnificent poem “Had I the heaven’s embroidered cloths.” This work, also available in SSA and SATB, was commissioned by Music Plus and the Lyrical Lines Education Network for the 2007 Waterloo Region High School Choral Festival to be held in Centre in the Square, Kitchener-Waterloo. Medium difficulty.  Watch Amabile perform this piece  Watch O’Neill Collegiate Men’s Choir perform this piece
Listen to the SATB version in performance by the Cantabile Choirs:

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Dans les chantiers
TBB and piano, Boosey & Hawkes M051-47808-8
A wonderfully boisterous Québecois lumberjack song!  This ballad, supported by an inventive piano accompaniment, recounts the trials of a young man in the Canadian woods in winter.
Watch University of Southern California Apollo Men’s Chorus perform this piece

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New release Jug o’ Punch
Irish folksong, TTBB, penny whistle and piano
One of the great Irish drinking songs made famous by the Descendants, full of vigour and good humour.  Now available directly from the composer;  please send an email to request a perusal copy.

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Mary Ann
TTBB and piano, Boosey & Hawkes 48019915
One of the most beautiful of all Maritime love songs masterfully set for older teens or adult voices.  Simple canonic writing and warm harmonies supported by an evocative rolling piano accompanist build to the final verse.  Medium.

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New release Mummers’ Carol (The Wren Song)
Celtic folksong, TBarB and body rhythm
A high-spirited ‘St. Stephen’s Day’ carol about the capturing of the wren to bring good luck.  Now available directly from the composer;  please send an email to request a perusal copy.

New release The Old House
TBarB and piano
A poignant Scottish ballad familiar to many through the recording by John McDermott, available in Canada only.  Suitable for high school and older ensembles. Now available directly from the composer;  please send an email to request a perusal copy.

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qitiraliq 
TTBB and percussion, Boosey & Hawkes 48019901
An imaginative and haunting soundscape that portrays an Inuit hunting expedition in the Arctic:  the cold, moon, ice, snow, and the northern lights are captured in special vocal effects. Commissioned and premiered by the Amabile Men’s Chorus, London ON, Carol Beynon and Ken Fleet, directors.  One of the highlights of Podium 2006 in Victoria and broadcast on CBC this is a challenging but rewarding work.  Winner of the Paul Revere Award for Publishing.

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We’ll Rant and We’ll Roar
TBarB and piano, Boosey & Hawkes M-051-47771-5
A rousing and humorous rendition of one of Canada’s best-loved sea shanties from Newfoundland. Suitable for teen and adult male ensembles.  A great concert finale.

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Tenor/Bass coming soon:

• Dear Old Ireland, Irish-Canadian folk song, Boosey and Hawkes 

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• The Wild Rover, Irish folk song, Boosey and Hawkes  

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• The Holy Ground, Irish folk song, Boosey and Hawkes
• The Dying Rebel, Irish folk song, Boosey and Hawkes

SATB Secular

Auld lang syne
SATB, piano & flute, Boosey & Hawkes M051-47770-8
A moving setting of the wonderful Burns words to the original version of the Scottish air (different that the one often heard!)  This is the perfect conclusion to a holiday concert, and also appropriate for graduation and other times of farewell.

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Berceuse acadienne
SATB a cappella Boosey and Hawkes M051-4801992-8
One of the most beautiful melodies from the French Acadian region of Canada’s east coast is exquisitely for a cappella voices.  This lullaby is suitable for teens and adult choirs and is also appropriate for Christmas.  Easy.

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Ce beau printemps 
SATB a cappella Boosey and Hawkes M051-4801988-6
This is a gorgeous love song that celebrates the coming of spring and the young love.   Easy especially appropriate for high school, college/university and community.  This is an excerpt and reworking of a passage from the larger work, ‘Beltane’.  Watch - Rancho Bernardo Madrigal Alumni Choir

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Cliffs of Dooneen, The
SATB and piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1165
The Cliffs of Dooneen is a popular and haunting Irish folk song that extols the rugged beauty of the Atlantic coast. The final verse expresses longing for the homeland–a sentiment shared by many Irish immigrants during the nineteenth century when they were forced to leave for North America because of the Great Famine. This arrangement was written for Sister Rita Clare and the Cape Breton Chorale for the Celtic Colours Festival in 2008.  The SSA version is dedicated to Ann McIntyre, Conductor of the Edmonton Children’s Choir.  Watch

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Cloths of Heaven
SATB and piano, Kelman Hall 06/2061 (Music Plus)
A beautifully moving setting of Yeats magnificent poem “Had I the heaven’s embroidered cloths.”  This work, also available in SSA and TTBB was commissioned by Music Plus and the Lyrical Lines Education Network for the 2007 Waterloo Region High School Choral Festival to be held in Centre in the Square, Kitchener-Waterloo. Medium difficulty. Watch - Choralfest mass choir of 750 voices rehearse this piece. Listen to the SATB version in performance by the Cantabile Choirs with guest conductor Bob Chilcott:

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Curragh of Kildare, The
SATB and piano, Boosey and Hawkes  M-051-479597
This exquisite Irish ballad tells the tragic love story of a young girl who goes to the Curragh to find news of her handsome love, a young man destined to be killed with his compatriots in battle. Excellent choice for concert, festival or international folk celebration.  Commissioned by St. Francis Xavier University Chamber Singers.

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Farewell
SATB, violin and piano, E.C. Schirmer Music (ECS Publishing) 6582
This work was commissioned by the Ottawa Regional Youth Choir, Barbara Clark, director. The text was written by a member of the choir, Stephanie Boileau—colourful and atmospheric writing for chorus about a mermaid and the sea. The work is especially suitable to upper high school, community, and university level choruses. Medium difficulty.

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Go, Lassie, Go
Scottish folk song, SATB and piano, optional flute, oboe, violin, bass, Boosey & Hawkes M051476596 Instrumental parts: M051105106
A popular folk-song well known in Scotland and Ireland. This energetic rendition sets the audiences toes ‘a-tappin’. A lively opening or concluding selection to a concert. Can be combined with the SSA version of the work. Easy.  Watch  – Kokoro, Brenda Uchimara, conductor

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Les Raftsmen
Québecois folksong, SA(T)B and piano, #6 in ‘Song Stream 2’, An American Journey: 10 Songs for Youth Choirs, complied and edited by Bob Chilcott and Peter Hunt, Oxford University Press
This vigorgous Quebecois lumberjack song complete with body percussion will delight young teen singers.  This practical fok song arrangement was written for this volume by Oxford University Press designed especially for young choirs with few tenors and basses. Watch

Ononyatakaka SATB, hand drum, sticks, rattle (Kelman Hall, Kitchener ON)
Inspired by Mohawk culture this work is a bold, rhythmic etude that represents sounds echoing off rock cliffs. The percussion instruments provide interesting cross rhythms to the vocal lines. A middle contrasting section is atmospheric. Very dramatic and energetic work especially good for teen singers and older singers. Medium difficulty.  Watch - Kokopeli of Edmonton

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Onokenoga
SATB and percussion, Boosey & Hawkes 48019902
This dramatic soundscape retells the tragic Mohawk legend of two young lovers.  Commissioned for Central Bucks High School-West Chamber Choir, Pennsylvania, Dr. Joseph Ohrt, director and premiered at the Toronto Centre for the Performing Arts in May, 2006.  Medium difficult.  Watch - Central Bucks High School-West Chamber Choir

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Parting Glass, The
SATB a cappella, Boosey & Hawkes M051-473427
A hauntingly beautiful setting of this poignant Irish folk song of departure reminiscent of “The Turtle Dove” by Vaughan Williams. Made familiar to many by the well-known Irish band, the Chieftains. Graceful contrapuntal lines and warm harmonies underscore the bittersweet sentiment of the text. Medium.

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New release Red is the Rose
Irish folk song, SATB and piano, Celtic Voices, Boosey & Hawkes, 051-47979-5
An anonymous Irish love song is set to the beautiful Scottish melody Loch Lomond. With a piano part depicting the flowing river, passages featuring men’s and then women’s voices, and a middle a cappella section, this is a concert setting worthy of the best choirs. Duration: ca. 4:00

New release Things that Never Die
SATB and piano, Boosey & Hawkes 051-48093-7
This setting of the inspirational Charles Dickens text is both simple and powerful. With a flowing and independent piano accompaniment, the singers paint the text with descriptive lines ending each verse with the powerful exclamation “These things can never die!”

Un canadien errant
SATB and piano, Kelman Hall 04/20 MMP 28 (Music Plus, Kitchener ON)
One of Canada’s best-loved folksongs; an emotional and heartrending story of a young rebel who is banished from his homeland. Poignant and dramatic setting that has often been used for Canada Day Unisong Festival at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Also available in SSA.  Easy.  Full orchestration available from the composer.  Watch Hart House Chorus, University of Toronto

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New release Voices of Earth
SATB, piano and violin, Boosey and Hawkes M051479603
This tone poem begins and ends gently, but rises to a striking moment when describing “the roar of the sea’s surge, the might of thunder breaking” and is based on a poem by one of Canada’s finest poets, Archibald Lampman (1861-1899). Appropriate for an advanced high school, college or community chorus.  commissioned by the Dartmouth Concert Association for the award-winning Halifax Camerata, Jeff Joudrey, conductor.

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Watane 
SSA and percussion, easily adapted to SATB Boosey & Hawkes M051-4473434 (also appears in some catalogues as ‘Wantane’)
A soundscape inspired by aboriginal culture. Non-traditional vocal sounds, fragments of Iroquois- inspired chants, birdcalls, and varied percussion help evoke the atmosphere of the Eastern woodlands. The work has been performed at ACDA national and regional conventions, the CBC Choral Competition as well as festivals in Europe. Medium in difficulty.  Watch or watch this version

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Where have all the flowers gone?
Words and music by Peter Seeger, SATB, piano, optional, violin, flute, oboe, double bass, Boosey & Hawkes, M-051-47540-7 Full score: M-051-10515-1
A beautiful, expressive setting of this favorite song that longs for peace. Each verse varies in voicing. The setting is inventive and deeply moving.  Since 911, especially suitable for concerts of remembrance and peace. Medium easy.  Watch

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Will Ye No Come Back Again? 
SATB and piano, Alliance Music AMP 0391 A stirring arrangement of this great Scottish folk song of farewell. Each verse features different sections of the choir. The final verse is an outpouring of emotion; and thrilling conclusion with a dazzling piano part that evokes the sound of the highland drums and pipes. Excellent for youth and adult adult choirs.  Easy/Medium difficulty.

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Coming soon:

• Love is the Water of Life, from Six Rumi Lyrics written in honour of Doreen Rao, SATB, piano and violin, Boosey and Hawkes

 

SATB Christmas

Balulalow
SATB a cappella, Gordon V. Thompson (Leslie Music) VA-4028 (Leslie Music Supply, Oakville ON)
A prize-winner in the Amadeus Choir Carol Competition full of lush, expressive harmonies. This work is featured on the CD “Balulalow”, by the award-winning University of Alberta Madrigal Singers, Leonard Ratzlaff, director. Medium
Watch Kölner Kantorei

Celtic Carol (Sweet was the Song)
SATB a cappella, Kelman Hall 05/20 MMP 30 (Music Plus)
A setting of the traditional medieval text “Sweet was the song, the song the virgin sang”. Warm sustained harmonies compliment the sentiment of this beautiful text. Expressive ornaments underscore the Irish origin of the text. Medium.

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Dormi Jesu
SATB a cappella, Boosey & Hawkes M051-47741-8
First Prize Winner of the 2005 Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto Carol Competition in the  a cappella division.  This lullaby-carol has elegant lines and sophisticated harmonies.  Easy Watch

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New release Ecce concipies
SATB a cappella Boosey & Hawkes 051-47974
This a cappella Advent motet, with a text taken from the Gospel of Luke known as the “Annunciation,” uses long, legato, intense lines to describe the birth of the baby Jesus. With divisi in all voice parts and full vocal ranges required from everyone, this lush setting is suitable for the very best college and professional choirs.

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New release God Rest You Merry Gentlemen
SATB and organ, Carols for Choirs V, Edited by David Blackwell and Bob Chilcott, Oxford University Press 978-0-19-337356-3 The only arrangement by a Canadian composer in this newest version of Carols for Choirs that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the celebrated first volume. Orchestrations of brass+organ or full orchestra are available for rent from Oxford University Press

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I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
SATB and organ, Roger Dean 10/2386R
A graceful melody compliments the powerful words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, a longing for peace, the true message of Christmas. Easy.

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If Ye Would Hear the Angels Sing
SATB and organ, Canadian International CIM1063
This carol setting was the commissioned by Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, William Maddox, director, for the annual Advent Carol service by the ‘Churches of the Hill’, Toronto. A magnificent text paired with a majestic tune and commanding organ accompaniment. Great conclusion to an Advent or Carol Service. Medium.

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Love Came Down at Christmas
SATB and organ, Canadian International CIM1031
A simple and melodious setting of this classic text by Christina Rosetti. Easy and very effective.

Make We Joy Now Christmas
SATB, brass and organ, Gordon V. Thompson (Alfred)
A colourful and exciting setting of this traditional Christmas text provides interesting mixed metres and lively rhythms. The work can be performed with organ alone, or organ and brass. Another winner of the Amadeus Carol Competition. Exciting and rewarding. Medium difficulty.

O Brillante Estrella 
SATB and piano, Boosey and Hawkes 48019887
Commissioned by the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Noel Edison, conductor.  A contemporary vivacious setting of a Latin-American text that celebrates the arrival of the three kings.  Full of bold Spanish harmonies and tango-inspired rhythms great for the concert stage. A wonderful addition to the music of Christmas, beautifully crafted and gorgeous to sing.  (Philip Brunelle)

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Oxen, The
SATB and piano, ECS Publishing ECS 6415
A setting of Thomas Hardy’s magnificent poem about the legend of the oxen kneeling in adoration at midnight on Christmas Eve. A strong, handsome tune is accompanied by a majestic piano part that can also be effectively performed by harp. Very moving ending. Not difficult. Especially good for teen mixed choirs, and older choirs.  Recommended by Philip Brunelle in the American Organist. Medium easy.

Song of the Angels (Gloria)
SATB and percussion, Boosey & Hawkes, M051476596
A colourful sound-scape on the “Gloria” of the traditional Latin mass. Experimental effects found throughout are quite accessible and often supported by the tuned and untuned percussion instruments. Gregorian chant inspires the opening and concluding melodies. The work received acclaim at the in 2003 Previa International Choral Festival in Greece. Medium to Difficult.

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There is No Rose 
SATB a cappella, Gordon V. Thompson (Alfred) VTS-4049
This classic Christmas text has been set to a haunting melody supported by rich impressionistic harmonies. The opening is a canon between sopranos. The verses develop harmonically to a dramatic conclusion, and a melting finale. Medium difficulty.

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Thou Shalt Know Him
SATB a cappella, Augsburg/Fortress Press 0-8006-5520-6
One of Augsburg’s top-selling choral octavos. The work has also been translated into Swedish and published by Hermanns Gerlag. A stunning text complimented by a soaring melody and expressive harmonies. This work has been frequently recorded and performed by choirs for the CBC Choral Competition. Moderate.  watch Altra Volta;  watch CCP;  watch Stetson University

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Waye Not His Cribb
SATB a cappella, Boosey & Hawkes, M051-47574-2
Winner of the Amadeus Choir Carol Competition, this work has also been performed by VocalEssence directed by Philip Brunelle. The unusual but expressive text is by Renaissance English poet Richard Crashaw. The opening verse is set for alto or baritone solo and chorus. Moderate. The work has been recorded by the Elmer Iseler Singers, Lydia Adams, director on the CBC disc “Puer Natus in Bethelehem, Alleluia!”

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Welcome all Wonders SATB a cappella, Augsburg Fortress Press.
Commissioned by the Oriana Singers of Port Hope, this Christmas anthem is found in a collection of Christmas anthems by Augsburg Fortress Press.  Moderate.

What Sweeter Music 
SATB a cappella, Augsburg Fortress Press 0800659287
This wonderful text by George Herbert has been set in rich harmonies that evoke the vivid imagery of the text. Especially good for more advanced church choirs, and in concert. Moderate.

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SATB Sacred 

A Gaelic Grace
SATB piano or organ,  H.W. Gray (Alfred) 00-34854
A heartfelt setting of the traditional Gaelic blessing, “Deep Peace’ can be performed a cappella or with accompaniment.  This recent release will become a favorite for many occasions including services on peace, for weddings and funerals, and general dismissal.  Watch